Stuttgart/Atlanta. The new Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid celebrates its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. It is the world’s first luxury SUV to offer a plug-in hybrid drive, setting new standards in its segment. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid also makes Porsche the leading manufacturer of plug-in hybrid vehicles: Complementing the Panamera S E-Hybrid and the 918 Spyder, Porsche is the only manufacturer worldwide to offer three plug-in hybrids.

In addition to the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Porsche is presenting the other models that comprise the new generation of Cayenne including the Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and Cayenne Diesel. Increased efficiency and performance, even more precise handling, a sharper design and a broadened array of standard equipment are its defining features.

Leading the effort to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, the new Cayenne S E-Hybrid sets a benchmark in efficiency, allowing driving on pure electric power, while accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.4 seconds, thanks to a combined system output of 416 hp. This powertrain has already been widely accepted by consumers: Of the 16,698 Panameras that have been delivered to customers worldwide during the first eight months of 2014, 1,513 were Panamera S E-Hybrids – which amounts to a model share of 9 percent. In the United States, the E-Hybrid makes up 16 percent of all Panameras sold through August 2014. Porsche expects a significant market share for the Cayenne S E-Hybrid as well.

The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be presented to the general public for the first time on October 2 at 9:35 a.m. (CET) in Hall 4 during the official Porsche press conference at the Paris Motor Show. This conference will be broadcast live on the internet (www.porsche.com/paris) and via satellite. Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S and the top-of-the-range Cayenne Turbo will also be shown.

The New Porsche Cayenne: Higher Performance, More Comfort and Increased Efficiency

A success story continues

Stuttgart/Atlanta. A sharper design, boosted efficiency and an extensive set of standard options are characteristics of the new Porsche Cayenne. A sports car among sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the Cayenne offers seating for five paired with high performance driving typical of Porsche.

The new generation of the Cayenne will be launched in four versions in the United States: Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and the world premiere of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. This model, together with the Panamera S E-Hybrid and the 918 Spyder, make Porsche the world’s only car manufacturer to offer three plug-in hybrid models. Another highlight is the entirely new 3.6 liter twin-turbo V6 engine for the Cayenne S. It was entirely developed by Porsche and shows both improved performance and fuel economy compared to its predecessor.

The Cayenne is a unique success story at Porsche, with the company introducing the first model in 2002. This vehicle made the idea of a sports car in the SUV segment a reality – and it set standards right from the start. Sales have exceeded all expectations: Over 276,000 first generation vehicles were produced (2002 to 2010), and approximately 303,000 units of the second generation, which was introduced in 2010, have been produced so far.

Sharpened exterior design

In this latest version, Porsche designers have given the Cayenne an even sharper design with precise lines and purposefully placed light refracting edges. The design of the front body, the front fenders and the hood are entirely new. Another new feature are the airblades, which are air fins located on the right and left of the vehicle’s front end used to guide air to the intercoolers for cooling, while also making a strong visual statement.

At first glance, the new Cayenne can be clearly made out as a Porsche by its Bi-Xenon™ headlights, which are standard on the Diesel, S, and S E-Hybrid models, with “hovering” four-point LED daytime running lights. Standard on the top model, the Cayenne Turbo, are high performance LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).

The rear section of the new Cayenne was also thoroughly updated. The layout of the rear lights creates a three-dimensional effect; the brake lights – like the LED daytime running lights in front – are designed in four elements. The license plate recess, tailgate handle and lights are now integrated more elegantly into the tailgate lid. The vehicle’s horizontal lines were also re-designed, giving the vehicle an even fuller stance on the road. The newly designed exhaust tailpipes are now integrated in the lower rear fascia.

In the interior, designers devoted much of their effort to the driver’s space. The driver now gets a new multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles as standard. Its look and functions are based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder. The rear seating system has also been updated to be even more comfortable, and seat ventilation can now be ordered as an option for the rear seats.

Better efficiency

Power and torque were boosted while improving efficiency. For Porsche, these are not incompatible or contradictory goals; they were enabled by numerous individual modifications to the entire drivetrain. All new Cayenne models feature an improved “auto stop-start function plus” and optimized thermal management. Active air flaps are now being used for the first time in the Cayenne models. They are located behind the center air intake and are controlled by engine management. They are opened or closed according to the specific driving situation and cooling demands. This allows them to adjust the air volume that is available for cooling. When they are closed they improve aerodynamics, which reduces air drag and thereby improves fuel economy.

The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. The technical progress made here is immense compared to the previous Cayenne S Hybrid. The new model has a lithium-ion traction battery with an energy capacity of 10.8 kWh, which enables pure electric driving. The power of the electric motor was more than doubled, from 47 hp to 95 hp, resulting in an all-electric top speed of 78 mph. Combined with the 3.0 liter supercharged V6 (333 hp), a total system power of 416 hp at 5,500 rpm and a total system torque of 435 lb.-ft. from 1,250 to 4,000 rpm is available. This enables driving performance on the level of a sports car: zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 151 mph. The traction battery can be charged from the electric power grid or while driving. Porsche Car Connect is standard on this vehicle, and allows the driver to pull relevant vehicle data from a smart phone.

The hybrid tradition at Porsche extends back to 1899 and the Lohner Porsche – the world’s first vehicle to have a battery-powered electric drive as well as a combustion engine, which was designed and built by Ferdinand Porsche. In the current model line-up, the Panamera S E-Hybrid is setting standards worldwide as the first plug-in vehicle of the premium class. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is now transferring this forward-looking technology to the premium SUV segment. Extraordinarily powerful hybrid technology has also already been implemented in a sports car, in a super sports car no less – the 918 Spyder. This car serves as an example of technology transfer from motorsport to production cars. The most advanced form of hybrid drive technology is currently implemented in the 919 Hybrid, and it is also being studied for production vehicles.

The Cayenne Diesel combines sportiness with even better fuel efficiency. The 3.0 liter, turbocharged V6 engine in the Cayenne Diesel produces 240 hp at 3,800 to 4,400 rpm and 406 lb.-ft. of torque, from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. With this output, the car can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 135 mph.

The new 3.6 liter twin-turbo V6 engine of the Cayenne S, which was developed entirely at Porsche, is another example of how downsizing with reduced engine displacement and fewer cylinders does not compromise core values. The twin-turbo V6 develops a maximum power of 420 hp at 6,000 rpm – a gain of 20 hp. The car’s torque of 406 lb.-ft. is available from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm (gain of 37 lb.-ft.). The previous power density of

83 hp per liter engine displacement was increased to 117 hp (gain of around 40 percent). With its standard eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, the Cayenne S accelerates from zero to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package) – 0.4 seconds faster than the previous Cayenne S. The vehicle’s top speed is 160 mph.

Finally, the Cayenne Turbo is characterized by a high level of performance readiness, uninterrupted forward thrust and an ability to handle any driving situation. 4.8 liter engine displacement, eight-cylinders and twin-turbochargers result in engine power of 520 hp at 6,000 rpm, its torque is 553 lb.-ft. from 2,250 to 4,000 rpm. This lets the Cayenne Turbo accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds (4.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package), with a top speed of 173 mph.

Chassis tuning of the new Cayenne was optimized for even greater comfort, naturally without compromising its dynamic pace. This makes the spread between comfort and sportiness even greater than before – and it validates the Cayenne’s claim to being the sports car in the SUV segment.

The new Cayenne models will launch in the US market starting November 1, 2014. MSRP for the new Cayenne models are as follows: Cayenne Diesel $61,700 Cayenne S $74,100 Cayenne S E-Hybrid $76,400 Cayenne Turbo $113,600

MSRPs are excluding destination charges of $995.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, including the Macan and Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 270 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 189 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 66-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.

At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

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27 Comments on "Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Priced At $76,400 – On Sale In U.S On November 1"

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David Murray

Am I weird that I’d actually rather have many cars that are priced LESS than this car? I find the Chevy Volt, Cadillac ELR, and BMW i3 all more desirable than this. In fact, I might even rather have a Leaf, or Focus Electric.

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3 years ago

vadik_veselovsky

BEVs should beat ICEs in every segment, price category, on the road, at the sea, and in outer space.

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3 years ago

Just_Chris

This car is specifically designed for those who wish to ride a rocket powered hippopotamus. So, on balance, I think you are less odd than them, although your desire for ELR ownership still puts you in the “best not make him angry” category which equates to “appears normal but is sometimes irrational”.

From a personal perspective, if I had the money, I would wait a few months and ride a fully electric rocket powered hippopotamus to work each day.

David Murray,
Yes, you are weird. \If you want to pay big bucks and still suffer from range anxiety and inconvenience during long trips, please do so at your own risk.

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3 years ago

Just_Chris

See Through,

I have read your post a few times and all I can say is I am sure David is quite relieved that you think he is weird.

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3 years ago

David Murray

Indeed I am relieved.. since Mr “See Through” didn’t even understand that the 3 main cars I pointed out are all range-extended vehicles. So not sure how I’m supposed to be having range anxiety with those cars.

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3 years ago

Bill Howland

It will be interesting to see at what price point the “X” will be released at, since Porsche’s $76,400 will be seen as “competitive pricing”.

IF the X (what with the 4wd, and added manufacturing cost) starts out $20,000 higher (or more), then Porsche’s plug-in will most likely sell like hotcakes, if its as luxurious and powerful as it seems.

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3 years ago

Rob Stark

Elon has said again and again the Model X will carry a single digit percentage premium over the $71k Model S base price.

At most that means $77.4k base price. With the most sophisticated AWD (not really 4WD) and two electric motors which will be more efficient than single motor RWD.

I have to admit I think that there will be a fair amount of competition between the Model X and Porsche.

Yes it is obvious what the readers of insideevs.com would rather have but what about the man on the street – both are luxury SUV’s that can perform the same job, both cost so much that any marginal savings on petrol are meaningless, both have strong brands and both should be a lot of fun to drive.

What ever happens it will be great to get people who buy the most insanely thirsty cars in the market into something that can run on solar or wind power.

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3 years ago

GRA

The Cayene will be the first real direct competition for Tesla, and if they can’t compete on price I think they’ll have some problems. for the majority of high-end CUV buyers who would like to be somewhat green but aren’t fanatic about it, and who need/want to go places that they currently can’t with a Tesla (especially in winter) owing to lack of infrastructure, or who need to carry stuff on the roof, the Cayenne will be the obvious choice. I see plenty of the regular ones here in the Bay Area, and I’m sure the E-Hybrid will sell quite well.

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3 years ago

Rob Stark

The Cayenne plug-in will be no more competition for the Model X than the Panamera is competition to the Model S.

In other words PHEVs are not direct competition to Teslas.

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3 years ago

Bill Howland

Well, that’s a point…… I chose a Tesla Roadster over a Lotus Elise mainly because I always wanted an electric car since I was in high school. Now, I have two of them. The Roadster constantly is a head turner (I’m constantly stopped in the thing, even though its now 3 1/2 years old) because it is an electric Lotus Elise. It is significantly different than anything else on the market. I’ve test driven a Model S, and, it’s not for me. I’ve also driven an ELR, which I thought I would like seeing as I was going to be able to get one for $53,000, but even at that extreme discount I still didn’t like the car due to the horrible dashboard (saw no mention of that anywhere), the dinky trunk and the ridiculous back seat, which I had seen mentioned, but it must be experienced to be believed. Tesla would have some real competition if the Chevy Impala was electrified, or, in the not too distant future, offered with the CNG option as supposedly will be offered in 2015. But the S for me is too plain under $100k to consider. (A Ford Fusion or other plug in… Read more »

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3 years ago

pjwood

Agreed. I think I’m hearing “mileage depreciation” creep into your analysis. The Fusion will tap gas, but you probably don’t want to tag the Roadster’s odo all the time, simply to make a point.

The Tesla offers a ton of utility. That it not only competes with gas cars, but PHEVs too, should be a statement to flatter it.

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3 years ago

Bill Howland

I’m basically saying the EV landscape is wide open for more types of vehicles. While I expect this Porsche to be a big seller, I won’t be one of the buyers since I don’t really like the 20 mile battery range personally, and that’s why Fords are eschewed by me. But for many others, its not that bad since they only drive 20 miles per day.

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3 years ago

GRA

We’re about to find out. At the moment, if I had to choose one or the other it would have to be the Cayenne, because I often go places where there aren’t any SCs, do so in Winter, and also sometimes need to carry kayaks on the roof, which the X just can’t do until they dump the dumb doors.

There’s a limit to how ideological most people’s car buying decisions can be. If 49% of U.S. daily trips are <=20 miles, and the Cayenne can use the existing gas infrastructure to go where SCs don't currently exist outside of that and do so more conveniently, then for many people the Cayenne or other PHEV CUV is the only currently feasible choice.

As the SC network expands the balance may well shift, but the X needs to sell well enough to finance R&D on the Model 3 over the next couple of years; any problem with X sales falling short of predictions will have a negative impact on that.

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3 years ago

ggpa

Imagine a similar powertrain in a Touareg … VW will sell many!

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3 years ago

pjwood

Good point. Rather than beat Porsche up, for not affording their buyers even the battery storage of the Outlander, it could be VW’s pricing that makes things a bit more compelling.

If buyers were smarter, an adequately RANGE-extended SUV would come to America faster.

“all-electric top speed of 78mph”
“zero to 62mph in 5.4 seconds”

The two statements, by PCNA, are so close in the same paragraph, one might assume ~7 seconds, to 78mph in all-electric mode. Let them. The gateway will lead to bigger and better things.

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3 years ago

manitou202

I think it says a lot when a car company like Porsche is coming out with a Plug-in Hybrid SUV. Who would have thought this was possible 10 years ago.

This will definitely be a direct competitor of the Model X. Elon says the Model X will start in the $70’s, but realistically to achieve the performance and range of the Cayenne hybrid, you are probably looking at a $100k Model X.

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3 years ago

Rob Stark

It will probably take $90k to get over 260 miles of range but it will offer superior performance. Two motor all-electric AWD is going to blow way the competition.

And then there is the much lower center of gravity.

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3 years ago

Rick Danger

I love how the detractors all act like Cayennes will actually all be sold for $76,400. Porsches suffer from options loading as much as Teslas.
OTOH, Tesla’s 1st all-electric SUV is already being seen as competition for one of the most respected marques in automotive history.
WTG Tesla!!!

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3 years ago

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

What’s the 0-60 in electric-only?

Looks like Porsche is backfilling a product niche, not doing anything particularly innovative. Just like the rest of the brands in the VAG.

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3 years ago

pjwood

Just a WAG, but take the i8’s 9.7 second all-electric time to 60mph (Road & Track), and make it roughly weight proportional, and you get:

9.7(5000/3200) ~ maybe 15.2 seconds, not counting for a slightly bigger battery in the Porsche.